Michael Beckel

“Outside groups are diverting millions into deep-red territory to build defensive moats, leaving pickup opportunities starved for cash in the final stretch,”

Michael Beckel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-16

Beckel told CNBC that outside groups are spending defensively in deep-red states at the expense of offensive opportunities.

“Their eyes glaze over.”

Michael Beckel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-16

Beckel described voters' reaction to excessive negative advertising as part of his explanation for diminishing ad returns.

“When an undecided voter has already seen 20 negative ads today, the 21st ad doesn't persuade them. It just gets tuned out,”

Michael Beckel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-16

Beckel explained that diminishing returns on political ads mean repeated negative advertising loses persuasive power.